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On this week’s Slate Political Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss why the massacre at Washington's Navy Yard hasn't prompted serious discussion of gun control laws. They also consider Republican threats to shut down the government if Obamacare isn't defunded. Finally, they discuss whether Pope Francis' comment that the Catholic church spends too much energy opposing abortion and homosexuality signals a new direction for the Vatican.

Here are some of the links and references mentioned during this week's show:

In an interview with the Jesuit publication La Civiltà Cattolica, Pope Francis explains why he has chosen not to spend much time talking about abortion, homosexuality, and contraception. America magazine has the English translation. Will Saletan writes that the interview is proof Francis is a liberal.

Topic ideas for next week? You can tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @SlateGabfest. The email address for the Political Gabfest is gabfest@slate.com. (Email may be quoted by name unless the writer stipulates otherwise.)